Peggy Fikac: Kiss the ring

Democratic former comptroller John Sharp — architect of a school tax overhaul championed by Gov. Rick Perry and approved by lawmakers — raked in praise from three top GOP leaders today.

Not too bad, considering Sharp ran against two of them — including Perry, his fellow Aggie and former political foe.

“I want to say personally to you, John, what joy it’s been for me to renew that friendship,” said Perry, who named Sharp to head the blue-ribbon tax commission that came up with the overhaul.

Perry also praised “the product of that friendship and the clear message to people all across this state of the bipartisan effort” on the tax issue (although nearly all among a bevy of elected officials at the Governor’s Mansion news conference belonged to the GOP).

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst — who also beat Sharp in a race for lieutenant governor and has been known to be a bit snarky in referring to him — was gracious as he thanked Perry and Sharp for their work.

Speaker Tom Craddick, who hasn’t had to worry about Sharp challenging him for his Midland House seat, offered the most creative compliment: “We all kissed John’s Aggie ring yesterday.”